Editor’s note: Contemplating a complete career change? Mark Enticott, the latest panellist to join the Classified Post’s team of Career Doctors, can help you make the change as he shares his personal experience in switching from a Big Four accounting firm to the recruitment sector. Send your queries or other career dilemmas to him at Classifiedpost.com
I started my career with PricewaterhouseCoopers as a summer vacationer while at university, joining the firm permanently just after graduating. My focus back then was to work hard, learn and become a qualified chartered accountant.
I was involved with audit, mergers and acquisitions, and some IPO work, before realising I did not want to pursue a long-term career in finance per se. My sister-in-law, who had worked in the recruitment sector for many years, encouraged me to give the industry a try and, after research and conversations with industry professionals, I joined Michael Page in 2001.
I spent five years in Melbourne establishing myself as a specialist in the senior finance market before relocating with them to their Hong Kong office to manage the banking and finance business.
My role expanded to take on the legal, IT, and property and construction divisions, giving me the experience and key management skills to move into my current role as managing director at Ambition. I am responsible for developing the strategy of the Hong Kong business, as well as growing and developing the career paths of our people.
I’ve been fortunate throughout my career to have excellent mentors providing me with sound advice and guidance. The change from finance to recruitment was a major decision, but definitely the right one.
Career planning and understanding your strengths, values, drivers and what you are passionate about, are all important in deciding your future. A specialised recruitment consultant can be an excellent provider of objective career advice. I look forward to sharing my experience with readers, helping them grow their careers and realise their true potential.
Mark Enticott is the managing director of Ambition Hong Kong. A leading global boutique recruitment firm with offices in Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia and London, Ambition specialises in the banking and financial services, finance and accounting, technology, and sales and marketing sectors.
